Russian Military in Syria

A Russian combat aircraft at Khmeimim airbase in Syria being prepared for action. (Russian Ministry of Defence)

Belligerent
Russian Military
Country
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

July 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2368

LOCATION

السبخة, Sabkha, Raqqa, Syria

Up to 30 civilians died in an airstrike on a camp for displaced people in Sabkha in the eastern Raqqa countryside, according to sources on the ground. The majority of reports blamed Russia for this event. According to the Step News Agency, “15 civilians were killed in air strikes targeting a displaced people’s camp near

Summary

First published
July 25, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 30
(0–4 children0–4 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2017

Incident Code

CS1259

LOCATION

الرقة‎, Ar Raqqah, Raqqa, Syria

One civilian male was killed in an airstrike on Raqqa according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were to blame. Ahmad Shibli, Hasaka Rasd and @alhasakaalhadth blamed the Coalition for the victims death. However, according to Baladi, he was killed in a Russia strike. This

Summary

First published
July 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2017

Incident Code

CS1262 RS2366

LOCATION

الميادين شارع الاربعين, Al Mayadin, Al-Arba’eeb street, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Five or six civilians died in airstrikes on Al-Arba’eeb street in Al Mayadin, local media said – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of the US-led Coalition, of Russia or the Syrian regime. Step News Agency, Almayadeen, Syrianpc and Radioalkul were among the sources that pointed towards the Coalition. Almayadeen

Summary

First published
July 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 6
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2364

LOCATION

الغانم العلي , Al-Ghanem Al-Ali, Raqqa, Syria

Akhbaralaan reported that “Russian aircraft also destroyed the building of the consumer institution in the town of Al-Ghanim Al-Ali”. According to the Step News Agency, “intensive Russian raids targeted the village of Ghanem al-‘Ali in the eastern suburb of Raqqa this morning [July 24th], killing six people and injuring others.”

Summary

First published
July 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2365

LOCATION

معدان , Ma’dan, Raqqa, Syria

At least two named civilians and as many as dozens more died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Ma’dan, according to sources on the ground. Reports said that two families were among those killed, adding that dozens more civilians were wounded in the attack which reportedly struck camps for displaced persons in Ma’dan. Sources named multiple

Summary

First published
July 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 12
(2 children)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
10 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2362

LOCATION

الجاير , Al-Jaber/Al-Jayer/Albu Jabir , Raqqa, Syria

Six or seven civilians (six of whom were named by local media) died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Al-Jaber, according to sources on the ground. Different reports named the location of the event as either Al-Jaber, Al-Jayer or Albu Jabir, however, it’s Airwars’ understanding that these names all signify the same place, and that the name

Summary

First published
July 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 7
(1 woman4 men)
Civilians reported injured
6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
6 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2363

LOCATION

Arbeen, Ghouta, Damascus, Syria

Between eight and 10 civilians including four to eight children and between one and two women died and as many as 50 others were wounded in multiple airstrikes on Arbeen in the Damascus countryside, according to sources on the ground. While several reports attributed this event to Russia, a number of sources didn’t identify the

Summary

First published
July 24, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 10
(4–8 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
12–50
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2017

Incident Code

CS1257 RS2361

LOCATION

الشميطية, Shumeteya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three civilians from one family died (a father, his son and his daughter) and up to 20 more people were wounded in airstrikes in Shumeteya, according to local sources. No reports pointed directly at the Coalition – though several referred to unidentified “warplanes”. Other sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of

Summary

First published
July 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
20
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2363

LOCATION

مخيم الجويزات قرب الشريدة, Juweizat camp near Al Sharida, Raqqa, Syria

In a major civilian casualty incident, multiple local sources reported that between 20 and 40 civilians – including four or five entire families – died and dozens more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Juweizat refugee camp near Al Sharida. Reports said that the camp was completely burnt as a result of this attack.

Summary

First published
July 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
20 – 40
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
10 named, 4 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2359

LOCATION

زور شمر , the town of Ma'dan and the village of Zour Shamr, Raqqa, Syria

Between six and nine civilians died and as many as dozens more were wounded in alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrikes on the town of of Ma’dan and the village of Zour Shamr. According to Baladi, “Local media sources said Sunday [July 23rd] that Russian planes targeted camps for displaced people in the towns of

Summary

First published
July 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
6 – 9
(1 woman2 men)
Civilians reported injured
19–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 23, 2017

Incident Code

RS2360

LOCATION

الخضير , Kudeir, Hama, Syria

Between 10 and 15 civilians – most of them reportedly from the Al Mahmoud family – died and as many as 30 more were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Kudeir , according to local media. The lowest death count was given by Ahmad Shibli at 10 with dozens more wounded. But most other

Summary

First published
July 23, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 15
(4 children1 woman2 men)
Civilians reported injured
12–30
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
8 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 22, 2017

Incident Code

CS1251 RS2357

LOCATION

لصبخاوي, Sabkhawi, Raqqa, Syria

At least two civilians including one child died during a night time airstrike on Sabkhawi, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were responsible. Smart, the Shaam News Network and R.Tahrir.Alsham blamed the Coalition for the strike. However, Baladi, Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently and

Summary

First published
July 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1–2 children)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 22, 2017

Incident Code

RS2358

LOCATION

رسم العبد , Rasim Al-Abid, Hama, Syria

Two women died in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Rasim Al-Abid, according to sources on the ground.

Summary

First published
July 22, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 women)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 20, 2017

Incident Code

CS1243

LOCATION

معدان, Ma'adan, Raqqa, Syria

At least 11 people, including children, were killed and a number of others were wounded in airstrikes on Ma’dan in eastern Raqqa governorate. However it was contested as to who was responsible. Step News Agency alleged that the Coalition had caused the deaths, while an ISIL propaganda video alleged that Russia was to blame. The

Summary

First published
July 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 24
(6 children1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 20, 2017

Incident Code

RS2355

LOCATION

غنيمان, Ghneiman, Homs, Syria

Local media reported an unspecified number of civilian casualties, including children, in an alleged Russian airstrike on Ghneiman. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
July 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
(0–2 children)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 19, 2017

Incident Code

CS1236 RS2350

LOCATION

زور شمر, Zor Shamer, Raqqa, Syria

Up to 22 civilians including as many as 11 children died in airstrikes on Zor Shamer, according to local media – though reports were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were to blame. There were no reports of injured civilians. @eldorar, Syrian free army, Ahmad Shibli and the Smart News Agency pointed

Summary

First published
July 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 22
(5–11 children2–4 women1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
13 named, 7 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS2352

LOCATION

معدانقرية النعمات, al Na’amat village, Maadan, Raqqa, Syria

Local sources reported that one named adult male civilian was killed and his son was wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on al Na’amat village. Both Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently and Ahmad Al Shibli blamed Russia for the civilian harm.

Summary

First published
July 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 19, 2017

Incident Code

CS1237 RS2353

LOCATION

قرية الجبلي, Al Jabli, Raqqa, Syria

A civilian male and a female were killed following airstrikes in the Al Jabli village in Raqqa governorate. However, it was contested as to who was responsible, with some sources blaming Russia, while others blamed the US-led Coalition. Al Sabkha reported on the “martyrdom of the sister Khadija Yousef Al-Hamoud Al-Akla was resident in her

Summary

First published
July 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS2354

LOCATION

قرية عياش , Ayyash village, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Local media reported that between 10 and 15 civilians died and as many as dozens more were wounded in an airstrike on Ayyash village. Multiple sources named the victims, 10 of whom were from the family of Khalaf Khader al-Faleh. The Violations Documentation Centre also listed five unidentified adult males as killed, reportedly from Aleppo. The majority of

Summary

First published
July 19, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 15
(7–10 children3–6 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
10 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 18, 2017

Incident Code

CS1229 RS2349

LOCATION

معدان, Ma'adan, Raqqa, Syria

Three people were reportedly wounded following airstrikes in Ma’dan on the eastern border of Raqqa governorate. However it was contested as to who was responsible. One source, Shaam News Network, claimed that the airstrikes caused a “massacre” and that 12 civilians were killed. However it was at odds with nine other sources which reported the

Summary

First published
July 18, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 12
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 18, 2017

Incident Code

CS1234 RS2351

LOCATION

معدان, Ma'adan, Raqqa, Syria

As many as 12 civilians died and dozens were injured in airstrikes and/or artillery shelling on Ma’adan, local media reported – though sources were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia or event the Syrian regime were responsible. Baladi blamed artillery for the injury of “a number of civilians”, however, other sources –

Summary

First published
July 18, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
12
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
3–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 17, 2017

Incident Code

CS1216 RS2346

LOCATION

الكشكية, Al Kashkiya, school building, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Seven civilians were killed – including five civilians believed to be from one family – and a number of others were injured in airstrikes on the village of Al Kashkiya in eastern Deir Ezzor.  However it was contested as to who was responsible. Four sources – Radio al Kul, Micro News, Smart News Agency and

Summary

First published
July 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 9
(1–3 children1–2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2–10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Unknown
Named victims
9 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2347

LOCATION

عقيربات خالد هلال, Khaled Hilal village, Akeirbat district, Hama, Syria

Local media reported that a man and a woman died and others were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Khaled Hilal village. According to AadaAlSham, “two civilians were killed and others injured on Monday evening [July 17th] in air strikes by Russian warplanes on a village controlled by Daesh in the eastern Hama countryside. Field

Summary

First published
July 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 17, 2017

Incident Code

RS2348

LOCATION

حقل الجفرة, Al Jafra [oil] field junction, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Nine civilians died in an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Al Jafra [oil] field junction, according to sources on the ground. Rozanafm said: “On Tuesday [July 17th], our correspondent in Deir al-Zour reported that a military aircraft believed to belong to the Syrian regime targeted a car carrying nine civilians on Al Jafra field

Summary

First published
July 17, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 16, 2017

Incident Code

CS1211 RS2342

LOCATION

ميادين, Al Mayadin, multiple locations, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Between 11 and 14 civilians – including several women and children – were killed and dozens others were wounded in airstrikes on Al Mayadin. However it was contested as to who was responsible. Sources either blamed Russia, the Syrian regime or the US-led Coalition. More than five sources made no claims with regards to responsibility. However,

Summary

First published
July 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
Healthcare facility
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11 – 14
(1–3 children1–2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
12–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime, Unknown
Named victims
11 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 16, 2017

Incident Code

CS1212 RS2343

LOCATION

الصبحة, Al Subha, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Three to six civilians died in airstrikes on al Subha village, local media reported, though it was unclear whether the Coalition or Russia or the Syrian regime were responsible. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “five people were martyred and three of them were charred, as a result of shelling by aircraft. It’s

Summary

First published
July 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 6
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
2–10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Russian Military, Syrian Regime, Unknown
Named victims
7 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2344

LOCATION

هجين, Hajin, Deir Ezzor, Syria

An unspecified number of civilians died and were wounded in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hajin, according to sources on the ground. The Euphrates Post reported: “”A launched air raids targeting Hajin village this morning [July 16th] with rockets targeting a house near the house of Hamadi al-Shawish. Another missile landed in front of the

Summary

First published
July 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 16, 2017

Incident Code

RS2345

LOCATION

حزة , Hazza, Damascus, Syria

As many as four children died and dozens more civilians were reported wounded in an airstrike on Hazza, according to sources on the ground. Most reports blamed the Assad regime, though there was also an allegation against Russia. According to Akhbaralaan, “Activists said that the warplanes of the Assad forces fired several rockets on residential neighborhoods

Summary

First published
July 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 5
(3–4 children)
Civilians reported injured
2–24
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2339

LOCATION

أم قيبة , Umm Qiba village, near al Sokhna, Homs, Syria

Three women were killed and other civilians injured in alleged Russian raids on the village of Um Qiba in the eastern Homs countryside, local sources reported. The Violations Documentation Center in Syria said those killed included two daughters of Mkaimen al-Shihetan and Faysal al-Shihatan.

Summary

First published
July 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 women)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 15, 2017

Incident Code

RS2340

LOCATION

Al Hamidiya, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Two civilians were wounded by alleged Russian airstrikes on the neighborhood of downtown Hamidiya, local sources reported. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
July 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident